EFL Season Launches with Carabao Cup Preliminary Matches

The 2026-27 EFL season begins this weekend with preliminary rounds of the Carabao Cup featuring Tranmere Rovers against Rochdale and York City facing Crawley Town.

<p>The 2026-27 EFL season kicks off this weekend with preliminary matches in the Carabao Cup. Tranmere Rovers will host Rochdale on Saturday, while York City will welcome Crawley Town on Monday.</p><p>This season's preliminary round is necessary due to nine Premier League teams participating in European competitions. The winners of these matches will advance to the first round alongside teams from the Championship, League One, and League Two.</p><p>York City recently made headlines by sacking their manager Stuart Maynard, who led them to the National League title last season. Scott Lindsey has taken over as head coach just days before their match against Crawley Town. Meanwhile, Tranmere has appointed Darrell Clarke as their new manager, aiming to improve after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.</p>